Deadly Inequalities

Recently, many health researchers have focused on the social determinants affecting health of populations in the U.S. What is it about our society that makes some people sick while others stay healthy? A recent documentary series, "Are Inequalities Making Us Sick?" addressed this question. Kennett Square and our work with Puentes de Salud in Philadelphia appear in Episode 3, "Becoming American", about the 'Latino Paradox'-- essentially, Mexican immigrants arrive healthier than the general U.S. population, but in 5 years begin to show greatly increased levels of obesity, diabetes, and depression, often at rates higher than those found in other communities. Why do 1 in 7 Latina girls attempt suicide? These questions posed have profound consequences for healthcare providers and community advocates and acitivists as we try to address the root causes of inequalities and mitigate its deleterious effects on the most vulnerable.